Shawn Thornton ejected after injuring Brooks Orpik

By

Fluto Shinzawa

December 7, 2013

By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff

Brooks Orpik has been taken off the TD Garden ice on a stretcher. The former Boston College defenseman was injured during an altercation with Shawn Thornton at 11:06 of the first period. Replays showed Thornton driving the back of Orpik’s head into the ice and punching the defenseman.

Thornton was given a match penalty. Thornton is automatically suspended indefinitely because of the match penalty.

Thornton had tried to engage Orpik in a fight earlier in the period. Orpik declined to fight and Thornton was called for roughing.

Thornton was trying to respond to an earlier hit by Orpik on Loui Eriksson. There was no penalty on the play. Eriksson was woozy after the hit and will not return. Eriksson suffered a concussion earlier this season after being hit by John Scott.

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Orpik was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, and he was conscious and alert, the Penguins reported via Twitter.

After the game, Thornton said he made a mistake and that he was told he’d have a hearing with the NHL over the incident.

“Listen, I feel awful. It wasn’t my intention. I know Brooksy, I’ve gotten to know him over the last 7 years here, I skate with him in the summer, through the lockout. I’ve texted him a couple of times. I definitely feel awful. It was not what I wanted to see or what anyone wanted to see.”

According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune, Orpik returned to the team after his hospital visit and was cleared to travel home with his teammates. Coach Dan Bylsma said Orpik was unconscious on the ice after the incident.

“Obviously, I made a mistake. I’m aware of it. I’ve been told that I’ll be having a hearing and it’s hard for me to say much more other than that was not my intention. I feel awful and felt sick all game,” Thornton said.

“That’s always my job, I guess, to defend my teammates, but I’ve prided myself for a long time to stay within the lines, and like I said, it’s hard for me to talk about right now. I can’t say I’m sorry enough, and I’m sure I’ll be criticized for saying it, but it’s true. I, I just hope he’s doing alright. I heard that he’s conscious and talking, and I’m happy to hear that.”